System and method for preparing samples

ABSTRACT

A system and method for preparing samples for analyte testing. The sample preparation system can include a freestanding receptacle. The method can include providing a liquid composition comprising a source and a diluent, and positioning the liquid composition in a reservoir defined by the freestanding receptacle. The method can further include filtering the liquid composition to form a filtrate comprising an analyte of interest, removing at least a portion of the filtrate from the sample preparation system to form a sample, and analyzing the sample for the analyte of interest.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a sample preparation system and method,and particularly, to a sample preparation system and method for analytetesting.

Analyzing various food and non-food sources for microorganisms (e.g.,bacteria, viruses, fungi, spores) and/or other analytes (e.g., toxins)can be important for public health. Foods grown, purchased and consumedby the general population may contain or acquire microorganisms or otheranalytes, which can flourish or grow as a function of the environment inwhich they are located. This growth may lead to accelerated spoilage ofthe food product or to the proliferation of pathogenic organisms, whichmay produce toxins or allergens.

Perishable items with a shelf life can be of particular relevance forqualitative or quantitative monitoring of analytes. A convenient andefficient means to remove analytes from a source for analysis can beimportant in determining product shelf life and safety for human andanimal consumption. Some existing systems have been designed to releaseanalytes from food sources. A blender to homogenize samples at 10,000 to12,000 rpm has been recommended by the Food and Drug Administration,“Food Sampling and Preparation of Sample Homogenate”, Chapter 1; FDABacteriological Manual, 8^(th) Ed.; 1998, section 1.06. U.S. Pat. No.3,819,158 (Sharpe et al.) describes a “stomaching” device, which mixes asource and diluents in a bag through the use of two paddles in akneading-type action. An oscillating device known as the PULSIFIER® isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,600 (Sharpe), which employs a bagplaced inside an agitating metal ring. Another technique, vortexing foranalyte suspension, has been described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,600(Sharpe).

SUMMARY

Some existing sample preparation methods and devices presentinconsistent and sometimes undesirable results. The blender system canhomogenize the sample, but can also create a large amount of particulatedebris, such that the container needs to be cleaned and sterilized priorto subsequent use. The stomaching device and PULSIFIER® system useplastic bags, which are disposable, but can be cumbersome to handle. Thebags are flexible, and therefore, not freestanding when removed from themixing devices. Removal of samples of liquid compositions (or filtrates)from the bottom of the bags can often be difficult due to possiblecontamination of a pipette in contact with the sides of the bag.Additionally, samples containing hard objects may pierce the bag andcreate leaks and sample contamination. In addition, some existingsystems also require a separate means for preparing, and subsequentlytesting, individual samples. Furthermore, some existing systems requireextensive cleaning and sterilization between samples, which can betedious, time-consuming and costly.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method for preparingsamples for analyte testing. The method can include providing a liquidcomposition comprising a source and a diluent, and providing a samplepreparation system comprising a freestanding receptacle. The method canfurther include positioning the liquid composition in a reservoirdefined by the freestanding receptacle, and filtering the liquidcomposition to form a filtrate comprising an analyte of interest. Themethod can further include removing at least a portion of the filtratefrom the sample preparation system to form a sample, and analyzing thesample for the analyte of interest.

In some embodiments, a method for preparing samples for analyte testingis provided. The method can include providing a liquid compositioncomprising a source and a diluent, and providing a sample preparationsystem comprising a deformable freestanding liner, a freestandingcontainer that is more rigid than the deformable freestanding liner, anda lid. The method can further include positioning the liquid compositionin a reservoir defined by the deformable freestanding liner, andcoupling the lid to the deformable freestanding liner. The method canfurther include positioning the deformable freestanding liner in thefreestanding container, and filtering the liquid composition to form afiltrate comprising an analyte of interest. The method can furtherinclude removing at least a portion of the filtrate from the samplepreparation system to form a sample, and analyzing the sample for theanalyte of interest.

Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent byconsideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary configurations of the sample preparation system of the presentinvention are shown in the following figures, wherein like numeralsrepresent like elements.

FIG. 1 is a schematic flow chart depicting a sample preparation methodaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a sample preparation systemaccording to one embodiment of the present invention, the samplepreparation system including a lid.

FIG. 3 is close-up cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a sample preparation system according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a lid of a sample preparation systemaccording to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 5, taken along line6-6 in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “comprising,” “containing,” or “having” and variationsthereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter andequivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified orlimited otherwise, the terms “supported,” and “coupled” and variationsthereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect supportsand couplings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may beutilized, and structural or logical changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, termssuch as “front,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom,” and the like are only used todescribe elements as they relate to one another, but are in no way meantto recite specific orientations of the apparatus, to indicate or implynecessary or required orientations of the apparatus, or to specify howthe invention described herein will be used, mounted, displayed, orpositioned in use.

The present invention is generally directed to a system and method forpreparing samples. The samples can be further analyzed for the presenceor absence of a variety of analytes.

The term “source” is generally used to refer to the food or nonfooddesired to be tested for analytes. The source can be a solid, a liquid,a semi-solid, a gelatinous material, and combinations thereof. All or aportion of the source can be used in the sample preparation system andmethod. When a portion of the source is used, this can sometimes bereferred to as a “sample” of the source. However, the term “sample” isgenerally used herein to refer to the small volume of material that isextracted from the sample preparation system for further analysis (e.g.,detection of analytes).

The term “food” is generally used to refer to a solid, liquid orsemi-solid comestible composition. Examples of foods include, but arenot limited to, meats, poultry, eggs, fish, seafood, vegetables, fruits,prepared foods (e.g., soups, sauces, pastes), grain products (e.g.,flour, cereals, breads), canned foods, cheese, milk, other dairyproducts (e.g., cheese, yogurt, sour cream), fats, oils, desserts,condiments, spices, pastas, beverages, water, other suitable comestiblematerials, and combinations thereof.

The term “nonfood” is generally used to refer to sources of interestthat do not fall within the definition of “food.” Particularly, nonfoodsources can include, but are not limited to, substances that aregenerally not comestible and that may be categorized as one or more of acell lysate, whole blood or a portion thereof (e.g., serum), otherbodily fluids (e.g., saliva, sweat, sebum, urine), feces, cells,tissues, organs, plant materials, wood, soil, sediment, animal feed,medicines, cosmetics, other suitable non-comestible materials, andcombinations thereof.

The term “analyte” is generally used to refer to a substance to bedetected (e.g., by a laboratory test). A source can be tested for thepresence or absence of particular analytes. Such analytes can be presentwithin a source (e.g., on the interior), or exterior (e.g., on the outersurface) of a source. Examples of analytes can include, but are notlimited to, microorganisms, biomolecules, chemicals (e.g. pesticides,antibiotics), metal ions (e.g. mercury ions, heavy metal ions),metal-ion-containing complexes (e.g., complexes comprising metal ionsand organic ligands), and combinations thereof. A variety of testingmethods can be used to identify and/or quantify an analyte, including,but not limited to, microbiological assays, biochemical assays (e.g.immunoassay), or a combination thereof. Specific examples of testingmethods that can be used include, but are not limited to, titration,thermal analysis, spectroscopy (e.g., mass spectroscopy, nuclearmagnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, infraredspectroscopy, x-ray spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectancespectroscopy, Fourier transform spectroscopy, gamma-ray spectroscopy,etc.), spectrophotometry (e.g., absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence,etc.), chromatography (e.g., gas chromatography, liquid chromatography,ion-exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, etc.),electrochemical analysis, growth (e.g., plating (e.g., onto a growthmedium, such as agar)), genetic techniques such as polymerase chainreaction (PCR), or other techniques known in the art, such as those thatcan be conveniently done using Petrifilm™ Plates, and quantified using aPetrifilm™ Plate Reader (3M Company, St. Paul, Minn.), other suitableanalyte testing methods, or a combination thereof.

The term “microorganism” is generally used to refer to any microscopicorganism, including without limitation, one or more of bacteria (e.g.,mobile or vegetative), viruses (e.g., DNA viruses, RNA viruses,enveloped, non-enveloped, etc.), spores, algae, fungi (e.g., yeast),prion, and protozoa. In some cases, the microorganisms of particularinterest are those that are pathogenic, and the term “pathogen” is usedto refer to any pathogenic microorganism. Examples of pathogens caninclude, but are not limited to, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Pseudomonasaeruginosa, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium botulinun,Staphylococcus aureus, Campylobacter jejuni, Yersinia enterocolitica,Vibrio vulnificus, and Enterobacter sakazakii. Environmental factorsthat may affect the growth of a microorganism can include pH, moisturecontent, oxidation-reduction potential, antimicrobial compounds, andbiological structures or barriers.

The term “biomolecule” is generally used to refer to a molecule, or aderivative thereof, that occurs in or is formed by an organism. Forexample, a biomolecule can include, but is not limited to, at least oneof an amino acid, a nucleic acid, a polypeptide, protein apolynucleotide, a lipid, a phospholipid, a saccharide, a polysaccharide,and combinations thereof. Specific examples of biomolecules can include,but are not limited to, a metabolite, an allergen (e.g., pollens, dustmites, molds, danders, proteins), a toxin, RNA (e.g., mRNA, total RNA,tRNA, etc.), DNA (e.g., plasmid DNA, plant DNA, etc.), a tagged protein,an antibody, an antigen, and combinations thereof.

The terms “soluble matter” and “insoluble matter” are generally used torefer to matter that is relatively soluble or insoluble in a givenmedium, under certain conditions. Specifically, under a given set ofconditions, “soluble matter” is matter that goes into solution and canbe dissolved in the solvent (e.g., diluent) of a system. “Insolublematter” is matter that, under a given set of conditions, does not gointo solution and is not dissolved in the solvent of a system. A sourcecan include soluble matter (e.g., including the analyte(s) of interest)and insoluble matter (e.g., cell debris). Insoluble matter is sometimesreferred to as particulate(s) or debris and can include portions of thesource material itself (i.e., from internal portions or externalportions (e.g., the outer surface) of the source) or other sourceresidue or debris resulting from an agitation process.

The term “agitate” and derivatives thereof is generally used to describethe process of giving motion to a liquid composition, for example, tomix or blend the contents of such liquid composition. A variety ofagitation methods can be used, including, but not limited to, manualshaking, mechanical shaking, ultrasonic vibration, vortex stirring,manual stirring, mechanical stirring (e.g., by a mechanical propeller, amagnetic stirbar, or another agitating aid, such as ball bearings),manual beating, mechanical beating, blending, kneading, and combinationsthereof.

The term “filtering” is generally used to describe the process ofseparating soluble matter and a solvent (e.g., diluent) from insolublematter. A variety of filtration methods can be used, including, but notlimited to, passing the liquid composition through a filter, settlingfollowed by aspiration or decanting, other suitable filtration methods,and combinations thereof. “Settling” is used to refer to allowing theinsoluble matter in the liquid composition to settle. Settling may occurby gravity or by centrifugation. The insoluble matter can then beseparated from the soluble matter and solvent by aspirating the solublematter and solvent from the insoluble matter, decanting the solublematter and solvent, or a combination thereof.

A “filter” is generally used to describe the device used to separate thesoluble matter and solvent from the insoluble matter in a liquidcomposition. Examples of filters can include, but are not limited to, awoven mesh (e.g., a wire mesh, a cloth mesh, a plastic mesh, etc.), asieve, an ablated film or membrane (e.g., a laser ablated film ormembrane, a thermally ablated film or membrane, etc.), a punctured filmor membrane, glass wool, a frit, filter paper, etc., and combinationsthereof.

The term “filtrate” is generally used to describe the liquid remainingafter the insoluble matter has been removed from the liquid composition.Because filtering includes a broad range of methods, the term “filtrate”can also be used to refer to the supernatant that results from allowinginsoluble matter in a mixture to settle.

FIG. 1 illustrates a sample preparation method 10 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the samplepreparation method 10 can begin with obtaining a source 12. A diluent 13can be combined with all or a portion of the source 12 and agitated toform a liquid composition 14 comprising the source 12 dissolved,dispersed, suspended or emulsified in the diluent 13. As such, theliquid composition 14 is generally a mixture, and can be a solution, anemulsion, a dispersion, a suspension, or a combination thereof.

The source 12, when combined with the diluent 13, can include solublematter and insoluble matter 15, such that some portions (e.g., theanalyte(s) of interest) of the source 12 are dissolved in the diluent13, while other portions of the source 12 are suspended, dispersed oremulsified in the diluent 13. The liquid composition 14 is then filteredto form a filtrate 16. A sample 18 of the filtrate 16 can then beremoved for further analysis.

The diluent 13 is generally a liquid and, in some embodiments, is asterile liquid. In some embodiments, the diluent 13 can include avariety of additives, including, but not limited to, surfactants, orother suitable additives that aid in dispersing, dissolving, suspendingor emulsifying the source for subsequent analyte testing; rheologicalagents; antimicrobial neutralizers (e.g., that neutralize preservativesor other antimicrobial agents); nutrients (e.g., that promote selectivegrowth of desired microorganisms); pH buffering agents; enzymes;indicator molecules (e.g. pH or oxidation/reduction indicators); or acombination thereof. In some embodiments, the diluent 13 includessterile water (e.g., sterile double-distilled water (ddH₂O)); one ormore organic solvents to selectively dissolve, disperse, suspend, oremulsify the source; aqueous organic solvents, or a combination thereof.In some embodiments, the diluent 13 is a sterile buffered solution(e.g., Butterfield's Buffer, available from Edge Biological, MemphisTenn.). In some embodiments, the diluent 13 is a selective orsemi-selective nutrient formulation, such that the diluent 13 may beused to in the selective or semi-selective growth of the desiredanalyte(s) (e.g., bacteria). In such embodiments, the diluent 13 can beincubated with the source 12 for a period of time to promote such growthof the desired analyte(s).

In some embodiments, the source 12 includes the diluent 13. For example,a food source that includes a substantial amount of water or otherliquid can be mixed without adding additional diluent. In someembodiments, the source 12 may be completely dissolved in the diluent13, such that the liquid composition 14 includes a minimal amount ofinsoluble matter 15, making the filtering step unnecessary.

FIG. 2 illustrates a sample preparation system 100 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the samplepreparation system 100 includes a container 102, a liner 104, a lid 106,a collar 108, and a cap 109. In some embodiments, one or more of thecomponents of the sample preparation system 100 are sterile orsterilizable by sterilization and disinfection procedures such as steam,gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid,hydro-alcoholic solutions, bleach, and combinations thereof. A systemhaving similar features to that of the sample preparation system 100 isdescribed in PCT Publication No. WO 98/32539, U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,687and U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,681, each of which is incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference.

Some embodiments of the present invention employ a plurality of samplepreparation systems 100 to allow multiple sample preparation systems 100be employed in parallel to expedite sample preparation and increaseproductivity/output. In such embodiments, the plurality of samplepreparation systems 100 can be at least partially integrally formed, orthey can be separately formed.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the container 102 isfreestanding (i.e., self-supporting) and includes a base 127 and asidewall 129. The container 102 can be formed of a variety of materialsincluding, but not limited to, polymeric materials, metals (e.g.,aluminum, stainless steel, etc.), ceramics, glasses, and combinationsthereof. Examples of polymeric materials can include, but are notlimited to, polyolefins (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, combinationsthereof, etc.), polycarbonate, acrylics, polystyrene, high densitypolyethylene (HDPE), high density polypropylene, other suitablepolymeric materials capable of forming a self-supporting container, or acombination thereof. The container 102 can be translucent (or eventransparent), or opaque, and can be any suitable size, depending on thetype, amount and size of source to be analyzed. For example, in someembodiments, the container 102 can have a capacity of 50 mL, 100 mL, 250mL, or larger.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the sample preparation system100 includes a liner 104, which is shaped and dimensioned to be receivedwithin the container 102. The liner 104 can be disposable (e.g., madefor one-time use), to allow the container 102 to be reused withoutsubstantial risk for contamination and without extensive cleaningrequired between uses.

As shown in FIG. 2, the container 102 defines a first reservoir 120, andthe liner 104 defines a second reservoir 122. The liner 104 is shapedand dimensioned to be received within the first reservoir 120 of thecontainer 102. In some embodiments, a source 112 and a diluent 113 canbe added to the first reservoir 120. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 2, the liner 104 is employed, and the source 112 and diluent 113are positioned within the second reservoir 122, and the liner 104 ispositioned within the first reservoir 120. Whether added to the firstreservoir 120 or the second reservoir 122, the source 112 and thediluent 113 can be combined (and agitated) to form a liquid composition114. The liner 104 or the container 102 can serve as a freestandingreceptacle that can contain the liquid composition 114.

The source 112 can be added to the container 102 or the liner 104 first,followed by addition of the diluent 113, the diluent 113 can be addedfirst, followed by the source 112, or the source 112 and the diluent 113can be added simultaneously. Alternatively, the source 112 and diluent113 can be combined prior to being added to the sample preparationsystem 100. In some embodiments in which the diluent 113 is added to thecontainer 102 or the liner 104 first, a pre-measured amount of thediluent 113 (e.g., a sterile liquid diluent) can be sealed in thecontainer 102 or the liner 104 with a removably coupled cover, so thatthe cover can be removed just prior to adding the source 112.Alternatively, in some embodiments, a pre-measured amount of a drypowdered media (e.g., nutrient media) can be sealed in the container 102or the liner 104 with a removably coupled cover. In such embodiments,the cover can be removed and a solvent (e.g., ddH₂O) can be added toform the diluent 113, either prior to or at the same time as the source112 is added. Alternatively, if the source 112 includes enough of aliquid capable of dissolving the media, the source 112 can be added tothe dry powdered media to form the liquid composition 114 that comprisesthe source 112 and a diluent 113 (e.g., the media dissolved in a solventprovided by the source 112).

The liner 104 can be formed of a variety of materials, including avariety of polymeric materials, including, but not limited to, apolyolefin, including, but not limited to polypropylene (e.g., lowdensity polyethylene (LDPE)), polyethylene, and poly(methylpentene),polyamide (e.g., NYLON®), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments,the liner 104 is formed from a molding process, such as a thermoformingprocess. The liner 104 can be translucent (or even transparent), oropaque.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the liner 104 isfreestanding (i.e., self-supporting) and semi-rigid, such that thesource 112 and diluent 113 can be loaded into the liner 104 prior topositioning the liner 104 within the container 102, without the liner104 collapsing or distorting. In addition, a self-supporting liner 104can aid in weighing, source and diluent addition, transporting, and/orsample removal.

In some embodiments, the liner 104 is self-supporting while also beingdeformable. The term “deformable” is used to refer to a structure thatcan be altered from its original shape or state by pressure (e.g.,positive or negative) or stress. In embodiments employing a deformableliner 104, pressure can be applied to the liner 104 to reduce its sizefrom its original (i.e., unstressed) dimensions. Such pressure can beused to promote removal of the liquid composition 114 (or a filtratethereof) from the liner 104.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the container 102 includes anaperture 124 formed in its base 127, through which a user can access theliner 104 to apply pressure to the liner 104 to cause it to deform. Suchpressure can be applied directly by hand, or by an additional device,and could be a manual or automated process. The aperture 124 can beshaped and dimensioned according to the desired application of use. Inembodiments that do not employ the liner 104, the container 102 need notinclude the aperture 124.

In some embodiments, the liner 104 includes a relatively rigid base 126and a relatively thin and deformable sidewall 128, such that whenpressure is applied to the base 126 in a direction parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the liner 104 (e.g., via the aperture 124 in thecontainer 102), the liner 104 deforms in the longitudinal direction(e.g., by virtue of the sidewall 128 collapsing rather than the base126). Alternatively, or in addition, the base 126 can be thicker thanthe sidewall 128. By way of example only, in some embodiments, thethickness of the sidewall 128 is at least 50 μm, in some embodiments, atleast 100 μm, in some embodiments, at least 150 μm, and in someembodiments, at least 200 μm. In some embodiments, the thickness of thebase 126 is at least 225 μm, in some embodiments, 275 μm, in someembodiments, at least 300 μm, and in some embodiments, at least 350 μm.

The liner 104 can further include one or more of baffles, pleats,corrugations, seams, joints, gussets or a combination thereof, which canassist in controlling the deformability of the liner 104, and/or canfurther reduce the internal volume of liner 104. In some embodiments,liner 104 does not include any grooves on its internal surface,particularly, at the internal junction between the base 126 and thesidewall 128.

In some embodiments, the liner 104 is deliberately deformed to impart adisruption to the surface geometry of the liner 104. Such a disruptedsurface geometry can assist in the breakup of the source 112 duringagitation. For example, in some embodiments, an obstruction (e.g., arelatively rigid material) can be positioned between the sidewall 128 ofthe liner 104 and the container 102 to create a different surfacegeometry in the sidewall 128 of the liner 104.

As shown in FIG. 2, the container 102 can include indicia 130 toindicate the level (i.e., volume) of contents within the container 102.The indicia 130 can be used to achieve a desired weight ratio of theliquid composition 114, for example, where the weight ratio of thesource 112 to the diluent 113 ranges from 1:100 to 1:1. One example ofsuitable indicia is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,681. Alternatively,or in addition, the liner 104 can include indicia. To enable the use ofthe indicia 130 on the container 102 and/or the liner 104, the container102 and/or the liner 104 can be translucent, or even transparent toafford seeing the liquid composition 114 through the sidewall 129 of thecontainer 102 and/or the sidewall 128 of the liner 104. The sidewalls128 and 129 may also bear other types of markings, such as trademarks,brand names, and the like.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the lid 106 is removablycoupled to the liner 104, and the collar 108 is employed to furthersecure the lid 106 to the container 102. For example, in FIG. 2, thecontainer 102 includes threads 131 at the upper end of the outer surfaceof the sidewall 129, which are shaped and dimensioned for the collar 108(having internal threads 133 capable of engaging with the threads 131 onthe container 102) to be screwed onto the upper end of the container102. As an alternative to using the collar 108 for securing the lid 106to the container 102, other coupling means can be employed includingclamping and/or any of the other coupling means described below. In someembodiments, the liner 104 is not employed, and the lid 106 can becoupled directly to the container 102. In such embodiments, the collar108 need not be employed. Thus, the lid 106 can form a seal, andparticularly, a hermetic seal with either the container 102 or the liner104. In some embodiments, the lid 106 and the container 102 (or the lid106 and the liner 104) are integrally formed or permanently coupledtogether.

A variety of coupling means can be employed either between the lid 106and the liner 104, the lid 106 and the container 102, and/or the collar108 and the container 102 to allow the respective components to beremovably coupled to one another, including, but not limited to, gravity(e.g., one component can be set atop another component, or a matingportion thereof), screw threads, press-fit engagement (also sometimesreferred to as “friction-fit engagement” or “interference-fitengagement”), snap-fit engagement, magnets, other suitable removablecoupling means, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, thesample preparation system 100 need not be reopened after the source 112and the diluent 113 are added, such that the container 102, the liner104, the lid 106 and the collar 108 need not be removably coupled to oneanother, but rather can be permanently or semi-permanently coupled toone another. Such permanent or semi-permanent coupling means caninclude, but are not limited to, adhesives, stitches, staples, screws,nails, rivets, brads, crimps, welding (e.g., sonic (e.g., ultrasonic)welding), any thermal bonding technique (e.g., heat and/or pressureapplied to one or both of the components to be coupled), snap-fitengagement, press-fit engagement, heat sealing, other suitable permanentor semi-permanent coupling means, and combinations thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lid 106 further includes a sampling port132, which can be coupled to a filter 134, a cylindrical portion 136that is dimensioned to be received within the liner 104, and a generallyconical (e.g., frusto-conical) portion 138 that extends from thecylindrical portion 140 to the sampling port 132. At the junctionbetween the cylindrical portion 136 and the conical portion 138, the lid106 further includes a lip 140 that extends radially outwardly from thecylindrical portion 136 and the conical portion 138.

In some embodiments, the filter is coupled directly to the lid 106. Insome embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2-3, the filter 134 can be supportedby a frame 135 and coupled to the lid 106 via the frame 135. The frame135 can form a portion of the filter 134, the frame 135 can be a part ofthe lid 106, or the frame 135 can be a separate element that is coupledto both the filter 134 and the lid 106. The frame 135 can be formed of avariety of materials, including, but not limited to, a variety ofpolymers, metals, ceramics, glasses, and combinations thereof. In theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-3, the filter 134 is formed of a metalmesh, and the frame 135 is formed of a polymer that is bonded to themetal filter 134. The frame 135 is coupled to the lid 106, as describedin greater detail below.

The filter 134 and the frame 135 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.2 and 3 are shaped and dimensioned so as to extend below the bottom endof the lid 106, such that when the sample preparation system 100 isassembled, the filter 134 and the frame 135 extend into the secondreservoir 122 of the liner 104 (or the first reservoir 120 of thecontainer 102). However, the filter 134 and frame 135 can take on avariety of shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, for example, the frame135 can include a rigid upper portion (e.g., that is coupled to the lid106) and a rigid lower portion, and the filter 134 can be coupledtherebetween, and the filter 134 can be collapsible.

The cylindrical portion 136 of the lid 106 includes a plurality ofcircumferential outwardly-projecting protrusions 142 to allow thecylindrical portion 136 to be snap-fit or press-fit to the inner surfaceof the liner 104. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the liner104 can include inwardly-projecting protrusions that are used either inlieu of the outwardly-projecting protrusions 142, or in addition to theoutwardly-projecting protrusions 142 (e.g., to form a matingrelationship therewith).

The liner 104 can include a lip 144 that projects radially outwardlyfrom the sidewall 128 of the liner 104, and which can form an abuttingrelationship with an upper surface 146 of the container 102 and the lip140 of the lid 106, such that when the sample preparation system 100 isassembled, the lip 144 of the liner 104 is positioned between the lip140 of the lid 106 and the upper surface 146 of the container 102, and aseal (e.g., a hermetic seal) is formed. As shown in FIG. 2, the collar108 includes an inwardly-projecting lip 156, such that when the collar108 is coupled to the container 102, the lip 156 of the collar 108presses the lip 140 of the lid 106 into contact with the lip 144 of theliner 104, which is pressed into contact with the upper surface 146 ofthe container 102 (e.g., to form a higher integrity seal). Theabove-described means for assembling the sample preparation system 100and for forming a seal between the components of the sample preparationsystem 100 are described and illustrated by way of example only. One ofordinary skill in the art will understand, however, that a variety ofother mechanisms could be employed to assemble the components of thesample preparation system 100 and to form a seal (e.g., a liquid-tightseal, a hermetic seal, or a combination thereof), such that the samplepreparation system 100 is inhibited from leaking under normal operatingconditions.

While the lid 106 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 isillustrated as having a generally conical or frusto-conical shape. Itshould be understood that the lid 106 could have a variety of othershapes, including, but not limited to, a cylindrical shape, a tubularshape having a rectangular or square cross-sectional area, or othershapes suitable to being coupled to the other components of the samplepreparation system 100. Similarly, the container 102, the liner 104, andthe collar 108 could have a variety of other shapes than thesubstantially cylindrical shapes illustrated in FIG. 2. In addition, thelid 106 can be dimensioned to accommodate the other components of thesample preparation system 100.

The lid 106 can be formed of a variety of materials, including thematerials listed above with respect to the container 102. The lid 106can be translucent (or even transparent), or opaque, depending on theapplication of use.

The collar 108 can be formed of a variety of materials, including, butnot limited to a variety of polymeric materials, metal materials, andcombinations thereof. For example, the collar 108 can be formed of amolded plastic component, or a machined metal (such as aluminum)component. In some embodiments, the collar 108 is formed of a moldedplastic component comprising glass fiber reinforced polypropylene.

As shown in FIG. 2, the sampling port 132 of the lid 106 is generallycylindrical and tubular in shape, such that the sampling port 132defines a portion 152 of the inner surface 153 of the lid 106 and anopening 154 in the lid 106. The lid 106 is hollow and is in fluidcommunication with the second reservoir 122 when the sample preparationsystem 100 is assembled. The sampling port 132 does not need to becylindrical and can instead take on any shaped necessary for a givenapplication. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the filter134 is coupled to the sampling port 132 (i.e., via the frame 135) suchthat the filter 134 is in fluid communication with the lid opening 154,as well as the second reservoir 122.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the cap 109 is shaped and dimensionedto receive at least a portion of the sampling port 132. As a result, thecap 109 can be coupled to the sampling port 132 of the lid 106 to closethe opening in the lid 106 and to seal (e.g., hermetically seal) thesample preparation system 100 from the environment. The cap 109 can becoupled to the lid 106 using any of the above-described coupling means.The cap 109 can be integrally formed with the lid 106 (e.g., a flip-topsnap-on cap), or the cap 109 can be separate from the lid 106 (e.g., ascrew cap). The cap 109 can be formed of a variety of materials,including the materials listed above with respect to the container 102.

In some embodiments, the lid 106 includes a penetrable membrane or aremovable film separating at least a portion of the interior of the lid106 from the environment, such that the membrane can be pierced or thefilm removed to access the interior of the lid 106. In such embodiments,the cap 109 need not be employed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the inner surface 153 of the lid 106 can include avariety of inner circumferential edges to which other components (e.g.,additional or alternative filters, the concept of which is illustratedin FIGS. 5-6 and described below) can be coupled. The innercircumferential edges can have any orientation desired, depending onwhat other components are desired to be coupled to the edges. In someembodiments, the inner circumferential edges are oriented substantiallyorthogonally to the central longitudinal axis of the lid 106, such thatthe edges are substantially horizontal in FIG. 3.

In addition, the lid 106 can include a variety of inwardly-extendingmembers to which other components (e.g., filters) can be coupled. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 3, the filter 134 is supported by the frame135, and the lid 106 includes inwardly-extending members 155 to whichthe frame 135 can be coupled via a variety of coupling means, including,but not limited to, any of the coupling means described above. Theinwardly-extending members 155 can be integrally formed with the lid106.

The filter 134 can be of any geometrical shape to sufficiently filterthe liquid composition 114. In some embodiments, the filter 134 isdeformable and/or collapsible (i.e., such that the filter 134 foldsunder its own weight). In some embodiments, the filter 134 is rigid andretains its shape (i.e., does not fold under its own weight). The sizeand number of filters 134 used in a sample preparation system 100, andporosity thereof, may vary, depending on the desired analyte(s) and theinsoluble matter in the source 112. By way of example only, in someembodiments, the source 112 comprises food, the desired analyte isbacteria, and the insoluble matter is food particles or debris. In suchembodiments, for example, the filter 134 can be selected to retainand/or separate the food particles, while allowing the bacteria to passthrough the filter 134 for subsequent analysis. By way of furtherexample, in some embodiments, the source 112 comprises a lysed bacterialcell culture, the desired analyte is one or more of DNA, RNA, a protein,or a metabolite, and the insoluble matter is cellular debris. In suchembodiments, for example, the filter 134 can be selected to retainand/or separate the cellular debris, while allowing the desired DNA,RNA, protein, or metabolite to pass through the filter 134 forsubsequent analysis.

The filter 134 can have a variety of pore sizes sufficient for retainingparticles from the liquid composition 114, while allowing the desiredanalyte(s) in the liquid composition 114 to pass through the filter 134for extraction and/or sampling. In some embodiments, the filter 134 hasan average pore or mesh size of at least 5 μm, in some embodiments, atleast 40 μm, in some embodiments, at least 80 μm, and in someembodiments, at least 120 μm. In some embodiments, the filter 134 has anaverage pore or mesh size of at most 2000 μm, in some embodiments, atmost 1000 μm, in some embodiments, at most 500 μm, and in someembodiments, at most 200 μm.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the filter 134 islocated in the lid 106, generally in line with the central longitudinalaxis of the lid 106. However, in some embodiments, the filter 134 ispositioned in an “off-axis” position of the lid 106. For example, anaperture 158 is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2 to represent a possible“off-axis”position for the filter 134 in the lid 106. An alternative oran additional sampling port can be positioned at the location of theaperture 158 and coupled thereto. The filter 134 can be permanently orremovably coupled at one or both locations.

In some embodiments, particularly embodiments that do not employ theliner 104, the filter 134 can alternatively, or additionally, access theinterior of the sample preparation system 100 (i.e., the first reservoir120 of the container 102) via an aperture 160 in the sidewall 129 of thecontainer 102 or the aperture 124 in the base 127 of the container 102(or an aperture formed in a different location of the base 127 of thecontainer 102). In such embodiments, the filter 134 can be permanentlyor removably coupled to the sidewall 129 or the base 127 of thecontainer 102. An alternative or additional sampling port can bepositioned at the location of the apertures 160 and 124 and coupledthereto. In some embodiments, the sample preparation system 100 caninclude more than one sampling port, such as the sampling port 132 inthe lid 106, an additional sampling port at the location of the aperture158 in the lid 106, an additional sampling port at the location of theaperture 160 in sidewall 129 of the container 102, and/or an additionalsampling port at the location of the aperture 124 in the base 127 of thecontainer 102. The cap 109 or a similar closure device can be used toseal any of the sampling ports at any location on the sample preparationsystem 100.

Because of the different locations possible for the filter 134, thefilter 134 can be shaped and dimensioned to accommodate its position inthe sample preparation system 100 and the particular application of use.In any of the possible locations for the filter 134, the filter 134 canbe positioned wholly above or wholly below the level 165 of the liquidcomposition 114, or the filter 134 can be positioned partially above andpartially below the level 165 of the liquid composition 114, dependingon the type of filtering desired, and how the filter 134 is intended tofilter the liquid composition 114. For example, in the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 2, the filter 134 is coupled to the sampling port132 and, depending on how high the level 165 of the liquid composition114 is, would typically extend from the sampling port 132 into theinterior of the sample preparation system 100, such that the filter 134is positioned partially above and partially below the level 165 of theliquid composition 114.

The filter 134 is in fluid communication with the interior of the liner104 and the liquid composition 114 and acts to filter the liquidcomposition 114 to form a filtrate 116. The filtrate 116 is disposedwithin the volume of the filter 134 and can be extracted and/or sampledfrom the adjacent sampling port 132. In embodiments employing filters134 at multiple locations, the filtrate 116 can be sampled from any ofthe sampling ports or apertures described above.

The filter 134 can be formed from a variety of materials, including, butnot limited to one or more of polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon,polyester, polycarbonate, acrylics such as polymethylmethacrylate,fluorinated polymers (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)), cellulosics(e.g., modified celluloses such as cellulose acetate), fiberglass,polyurethanes, metals, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments,the filter 134 can be formed of a woven substate, a nonwoven substrate,a molded structure, can be comprised of other fabrics or fibrousmaterials, and/or can be formed of a membranous material. The surfacearea of the filter 134 can be increased by pleating the filter 134, orby other similar techniques.

In some embodiments (no matter which location the filter 134 is in), thefilter 134 can be used as a retainer or holder of the source 112. Anexample of this concept is illustrated in FIG. 4 and described below.

As mentioned above, the liner 104 can be disposable. In addition, insome embodiments, one or more of the lid 106, the cap 109 and the filter134 can also be disposable. For example, in some embodiments, the lid106 can be coupled to the liner 104, and the cap 109 and the filter 134can be coupled to the lid 106. The liner 104, the lid 106, the filter134 and the cap 109 can form a disposable portion of the samplepreparation system 100 that can be used without contaminating thecontainer 102. The disposable portion can be removed from the container102 and disposed. The container 102 can then be reused with a new liner104, lid 106, filter 134 and cap 109.

FIG. 4 illustrates another sample preparation system 200 according tothe present invention, wherein like numerals represent like elements.The sample preparation system 200 shares many of the same elements andfeatures described above with reference to the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 2-3. Accordingly, elements and features corresponding to elementsand features in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 2-3 are providedwith the same reference numerals in the 200 series. Reference is made tothe description above accompanying FIGS. 2-3 for a more completedescription of the features and elements (and alternatives to suchfeatures and elements) of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4.

The sample preparation system 200 does not include a liner, and the lid206 is coupled directly to the container 202. The sample preparationsystem 200 further includes a filter 234 which is fluidly coupled to anaperture 260 formed in the sidewall 229 of the container 202. Unlike thefilter 134 of the sample preparation system 100, the filter 234functions as a retainer or holder for the source 212.

The filter 234 can be permanently coupled to the container 202 and thesource 212 can be added to the filter 234, or the filter 234 can beremovably coupled to the container 202, and the source 212 can be addedto the filter 234 prior to or after the filter 234 is coupled to thecontainer 202. In some embodiments, the filter 234 can be free-floatingwithin the first reservoir 220 of the container 202, such that thefilter 234 contains the source 212 and the diluent 213 is able to flowin and out of the interior of the filter 234 to mix with the source 212.

The source 212 is positioned with the filter 234, and the filter 234 ispositioned at least partially below the level of the diluent 213 in thecontainer 202 and is in fluid communication with the interior of thecontainer 202, such that the source 212 can be combined with the diluent213 to form a liquid composition 214 within the filter 234. The liquidcomposition 214 positioned within the filter 234 includes the analyte(s)of interest in the diluent 213, as well as any insoluble matter from thesource 212. During agitation, the source 212 and the diluent 213 can bemixed to allow the source 212 to be dissolved, dispersed, suspendedand/or emulsified in the diluent 213. The diluent 213 and any analyte(s)of interest in the diluent 213 are free to flow in and out of the filter234, such that the resulting filtrate 216 is positioned outside of thefilter 234 and within the reservoir 220 of the container 202, andincludes the analyte(s) of interest in the diluent 213.

The filtrate 216 can be sampled from any of a variety of sampling portsor apertures, including the sampling port 232 in the lid 206, theaperture 258 in the lid 206, an additional aperture in the sidewall 229of the container 202, and/or the aperture 224 in the base 227 of thecontainer 202. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, one or more ofthe sampling ports can include an additional filter 234′ that functionsin the same way as the filter 134 of the sample preparation system 100.In such embodiments, the filtrate 216 is further filtered by the filter234′, and the resulting filtrate 216′ is disposed within the filter 234′and can be extracted and/or sampled from the adjacent sampling port(i.e., sampling port 232 in FIG. 4).

The sample preparation system 200 can further include a liner, in whichcase the diluent 213 and resulting filtrate 216 can be positioned withinthe liner, provided that sufficient sealing is provided between theliner and the container 202 at the location of the aperture 260.

FIGS. 5-6 illustrate another sample preparation system 300 according tothe present invention, wherein like numerals represent like elements.The sample preparation system 300 shares many of the same elements andfeatures described above with reference to the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 2-3. Accordingly, elements and features corresponding to elementsand features in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 2-3 are providedwith the same reference numerals in the 300 series. Reference is made tothe description above accompanying FIGS. 2-3 for a more completedescription of the features and elements (and alternatives to suchfeatures and elements) of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5-6.

FIGS. 5-6 show only the lid 306 of the sample preparation system 300.The other components of the sample preparation system 300 can be assumedto be the same as that of the sample preparation system 100 describedabove, and thus for clarity, are not shown in FIGS. 5-6.

The lid 306 is substantially similar to the lid 106 described above andillustrated in FIGS. 2-3, except that the lid 306 includes a filter 334that is substantially planar and coupled to the inner surface 353 of thelid 306. The inner surface 353 of the lid 306 includes an upper innercircumferential edge 370 and a lower inner circumferential edge 368. Asshown in FIG. 5, the upper inner circumferential edge 370 includes adownwardly facing surface that extends from an outer circumference 371to an inner circumference 373. Similarly, the lower innercircumferential edge 368 includes a downwardly facing surface thatextends from an outer circumference 376 to an inner circumference 378.The outer periphery of the filter 334 is coupled to the upper innercircumferential edge 370 of the inner surface 353. In addition, thefilter 334 is in contact with retaining walls 372. The retaining walls372 extend downwardly from the inner surface 353 of the lid 106 toretain the outer periphery of the filter 334.

The filter 334 can be coupled to the lid 306 using the same couplingmeans described above with respect to the lid 106. The filter 334 can bepermanently or removably coupled to the lid 306. The degree of couplingbetween the filter 334 and the lid 306 may vary depending on a number offactors including, but not limited to, the filter 334 material, the lid306 material, the size and texture of the coupled surface area, and thetype of coupling means used. For example, if the filter 334 includesfrayed edges, a wider and/or knurled coupling surface area may be used(e.g., the upper inner circumferential edge 370 can be knurled). Such awider and/or knurled ultrasonic weld may capture frayed edges of thefilter 334. To minimize the amount of fraying, the filter 334 can be cutusing a laser, which can fuse the edges of the filter 334. Because theresulting laser-cut filter 334 would include a minimum amount offraying, if any, a narrower coupling area can be used. In someembodiments, the coupling area extends completely around the outerperiphery of the filter 334. In some embodiments, the coupling area canhave an average width (i.e., a dimension within the same plane andsubstantially perpendicular to the outer periphery of the filter 334) ofup to 5.0 mm, and in some embodiments, ranging from 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm.Alternatively, the filter 334 can be integrally formed with the lid 306,for example, by a molding process.

The filter 334 can be formed of the same material as the lid 306 or adifferent material. The filter 334 may be flexible, or semi-rigid. Insome embodiments, the filter 334 is formed from a nylon nonwoven orwoven fabric, while the lid 306 is an injection molded part formed frompolypropylene. In such embodiments, the nylon filter 334 can be coupledto the lid 306 via an ultrasonic welding technique. During ultrasonicwelding, at least a portion of the upper inner circumferential edge 370can melt to mechanically bond the filter 334. Since nylon has a highermelting temperature than polypropylene, the nylon filter 334 canmaintain its structural integrity during the ultrasonic welding process.In such embodiments, at least a portion of the upper innercircumferential edge 370 can enter into a portion of filter 334, therebyencapsulating a portion of the filter 334.

The filter 334 can have dimensions and shapes that vary for a givenapplication. The filter 334 can have any desired shape including, butnot limited to, a circular shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, atriangular shape, a polygonal shape, a star shape, other suitableshapes, and combinations thereof. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.5 and 6, the filter 334 has a substantially circular shape.

The dimensions of the filter 334 may vary depending on the size of thelid 306. In some embodiments, the filter 334 has a largest dimension(i.e., length, width, or diameter) ranging from 15 mm to 100 mm,although the filter 334 may have smaller or larger dimensions. Forexample, in some embodiments, the filter 334 can have a circular shapeand a diameter of 56 mm.

With continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the retaining walls 372 canbe integrally formed with the lid 306. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 5, the lid 306 comprises two or more retaining walls 372, wherein(i) each retaining wall 372 has a circumferential length greater thanits thickness, (ii) each retaining wall 372 is positioned along an outerperiphery of the filter 334, and (iii) the total circumferential lengthof the two or more retaining walls 372 is less than the totalcircumferential length of the outer periphery of the filter 334.

As shown in FIG. 5, the lid 306 includes four retaining walls 372equally spaced from one another along outer circumference 371 of theupper inner circumferential edge 370. In some embodiments, eachretaining wall 372 has a thickness ranging from 800 μm to 1200 μm, alength (i.e., in this exemplary embodiment, an arc length) extending adistance ranging from 1.0 mm to 22.0 mm along outer circumference 371,and a height ranging from 1.0 mm to 5.0 mm. In some embodiments, eachretaining wall 372 has a segmented configuration so as to not inhibit(or minimize the effect on) fluid flow around the retaining wall 372.

The lid 306 includes an opening 354 and inwardly-extending members 355.The inwardly-extending members 355 can be used to couple an additionalfilter (not shown) to the lid 306 in the same way that the filter 134 iscoupled to the lid 106 in FIGS. 2 and 3. In such embodiments, the filter334 is located below the additional filter, and the additional filtercan have a length dimension less than the distance from the top the lid306 to the filter 334.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the filter element 334has a total surface area that is greater than a smallest cross-sectionalarea of the lid 306. In the lid 306, the smallest cross-sectional areais the cross-sectional area of lid opening 354. In some embodiments,more than one filter is coupled to the lid 306 in a similar manner asthe filter 334. For example, in some embodiments, the filter 334 or anadditional filter (not shown) can be coupled to the lower innercircumferential edge 368. That is, one or more filters 334 can becoupled to the lid 306 and positioned anywhere along the inner surface353 of the lid 306. In embodiments employing more than one filter 334,the filters 334 can be similar to one another or different from oneanother. That is, the filters 334 can be formed of the same or differentmaterials, and the filters 334 can have the same or sequentially smallerpore sizes.

As an example, a first filter 334 can be coupled to the upper innercircumferential edge 370 and can have a diameter of 56 mm, an elementpore size of 80 μm, and can be at least partially surrounded by one ormore retaining walls 372, while a second filter 334 can be coupled tothe lower inner circumferential edge 368 and can have a diameter of 96mm, an element pore size of 200 μm, and can be at least partiallysurrounded by the inner surface 353 of the lid 306.

Any of the above-described filters 134, 234 and 334 can be used incombination with one another in one sample preparation system. Forexample, as described above, the filter 134 can be used in combinationwith the filter 234 and/or the filter 334, to provide a series offilters for different applications, and/or for the removal ofsuccessively smaller particulates from the liquid composition.

Alternatively, or in addition, more than one of each type of filter 134,234 or 334 can be employed (and in some embodiments, can be nested) forthe removal of successively smaller particulates from the liquidcomposition. For example, the filters may be arranged where a coarsefilter acts as a pre-filter with a larger pore size relative tosubsequent filters, which have successively smaller pore sizes for thecollection of a filtrate. The filters may be arranged for use of thesample preparation system in an upright position, and/or the filters maybe arranged for use of the sample preparation system when it isinverted.

Any of the sample preparation systems 100, 200, 300 described herein canbe used to prepare samples by generally following the sample preparationmethod 10 described above and illustrated in FIG. 1. An exemplary methodwill now be described in detail using the sample preparation system 100of FIGS. 2 and 3.

A source 112 and a diluent 113 can be added to the first reservoir 120of the container 102 and combined to form a liquid composition 114. Asmentioned above, the liner 104 or the container 102 can serve as afreestanding receptacle that can contain the liquid composition 114. Thelid 106 can be coupled to the liner 104 prior to or after the liner 104is positioned within the container 102. The collar 108 can be coupled tothe container 102 to secure the components together, and the lid opening154 can be closed using the cap 109.

The sample preparation system 100 can be agitated to mix the source 112and the diluent 113 and to dissolve, disperse, suspend and/or emulsifythe source 112 in the diluent 113. Agitation may be in a circular orbit,an elliptical orbit, a random orbit, a combination thereof, or of othermeans to ensure effective and efficient mixing of the source 112 and thediluent 113. The sample preparation system 100 may be secured byclamping or other means during agitation to minimize spillage and/orloss of the liquid composition 114.

In some embodiments, the liquid composition 114 in the samplepreparation system 100 can be agitated by a Burell Model 75 Wrist ActionShaker (Burrell Scientific, Pittsburgh, Pa.), at a frequency of 10 to2000 cycles/minute, and in some embodiments, at a frequency of 200 to500 cycles/minute for a selected duration of time. In some embodiments,the sample preparation system 100 can be mounted at a distance from theshaker arm from between 5 cm and 50 cm, and in some embodiments, between10 cm and 20 cm. In some embodiments, the sample preparation system 100can inscribe an arc of 5 degrees to 30 degrees, and in some embodiments,between 15 degrees and 20 degrees. The liquid composition 114 may beagitated for at least 10 seconds, in some embodiments, at least 15seconds, in some embodiments, at least 30 seconds, in some embodiments,at least 40 seconds, and in some embodiments, at least 60 seconds. Insome embodiments, the liquid composition 114 can be agitated for at most15 minutes, in some embodiments, at most 10 minutes, in someembodiments, at most 5 minutes, and in some embodiments, at most 3minutes.

In some embodiments, the liquid composition 114 can be vortexed in aVX-2500 Multi-Tube Vortexer (VWR Scientific Products, West Chester, Pa.)at an agitation frequency of 200 to 5000 rpm, and in some embodiments,of 1000 to 3000 rpm for a selected duration of time. The vortex orbitcan be circular, elliptical, random, or a combination thereof. In someembodiments, the orbit is between 0.25 cm and 5 cm, and in someembodiments, between 1 cm and 3 cm.

As mentioned above, an array or plurality of sample preparation systems100, 200 and/or 300 can be agitated simultaneously, by being placed on aplate, an arm or other device, and secured by gravity, clamping or othermeans for subsequent agitation. For example, in some embodiments, 1 toabout 50 sample preparation systems 100, 200 and/or 300 are agitatedsimultaneously, and in some embodiments, about 10 to about 25 samplepreparation systems 100, 200 and/or 300 are agitated simultaneously on asingle agitation device or with multiple agitation devices.

In some embodiments, the liquid composition 114 can be agitated by theaddition of a mechanical stirrer having a shaft and stirring blades,which may be inserted through the lid opening 154 (e.g., when no filter134 is present), or alternatively, through any of the other possibleapertures. Agitation of the liquid composition 114 may be furtheraccomplished with steel ball bearings, magnetic stirring bars, blades,and other means to assist in breaking up and/or dispersing the source112 in the diluent 113 to release the analyte(s) of interest from thesource 112. The agitation methods described above are included by way ofexample only and are not intended to be limiting. One of ordinary skillin the art will understand that other similar agitation methods can beemployed.

The liquid composition 114 can be filtered using the filter 134 to forma filtrate 116 positioned within the filter 134 that includes thediluent 113 and any analyte(s) of interest in the diluent 113. All or aportion (e.g., a sample) of the filtrate 116 can be removed from theinterior of the filter 134 for further analysis.

In some embodiments, the level 165 of the liquid composition 114 is highenough that the filter 134 is positioned partially above and partiallybelow the level 165 of the liquid composition 114. The samplepreparation system 100 can be positioned upright, tipped, tilted orinverted to adjust the level 165 of the liquid composition 114 asnecessary. In such embodiments, the interior of the filter 134 can beaccessed via the lid opening 154, and a sample of the filtrate 116 canbe removed via aspiration (e.g., by pipetting) from the interior of thefilter 134. Alternatively, the filtrate 116 can be removed by decantingthe filtrate 116 from the lid opening 154, and/or the liner 104 can bedeformed and the filtrate 116 forced from the lid opening 154 byapplying pressure to the liner 104 (e.g., to the base 126 of the liner104 via the aperture 124 in the base 127 of the container 102).

In some embodiments, the level 165 of the liquid composition 114 isbelow the bottom of the filter 134, such that the filter 134 ispositioned wholly above the level 165 of the liquid composition 114. Insuch embodiments, the sample preparation system 100 can be inverted tocause the liquid composition 114 to be filtered by the filter 134, suchthat the filtrate 116 is located within the filter 134. Pressure can beapplied to the liner 104 as described above to force the filtrate 116into the interior of the filter 134, and/or from the lid opening 154.Alternatively, the filter 134 can be configured such that when thesample preparation system 100 is returned to an upright position afterinversion, the filter 134 retains a filtrate 116 in its interior thatcan be removed by aspiration and/or decanting.

As described above, in some embodiments, such as the sample preparationsystem 200 illustrated in FIG. 4, the filter 234 can act as a retaineror holder for the source 212. In such embodiments, a diluent 213 can beadded to the first reservoir 220 of the container 202 (or the container202 can be pre-filled with a pre-measured amount of diluent 213), andthe source 212 can be positioned within the filter 234. The lid 206 canbe coupled to the container 202, and the sample preparation system 200can be closed using a cap or similar closure device. The assembled andclosed sample preparation system 200 can be agitated to allow thediluent 213 to flow into and out of the filter 234, such that the liquidcomposition 214 is located within the filter 234, and the filtrate 216is located outside of the filter 234 and within the first reservoir 220of the container 202.

As mentioned above, the filtrate 216 can be removed from any of avariety of sampling ports (e.g., the sampling port 232), and can befurther filtered to removed additional particulates that may still bepresent in the filtrate 216. For example, the filtrate 216 can befurther filtered by a filter 234′ having a smaller pore size than thatof the filter 234 coupled to the sidewall 229 of the container 202, suchthat a second filtrate 216′ is formed within the filter 234′. The secondfiltrate 216′, or a sample thereof, can be removed using any of theabove-described techniques.

The following working examples are intended to be illustrative of thepresent invention and not limiting.

EXAMPLES

All solvents and reagents were obtained from Aldrich Chemical Company,Milwaukee, Wis., unless otherwise noted. All percents and amounts are byweight unless otherwise specified. 3M™ Company Paint Preparation Systemliners (part number 16114) and freestanding containers (part number16115) and associated lids and collars were supplied by 3M Company ofSt. Paul, Minn. The shaker used was Burrell model 75-wrist action shakersupplied by Burrell Scientific Company of Pittsburgh, Pa. Sterilediluent (Butterfield's buffer) was purchased from Edge Biological ofMemphis, Tenn. The vortexer was a model VX-2500 Multi-Tube Vortexer fromVWR Scientific Products of West Chester, Pa. Aerobic count wasdetermined using 3M™ Petrifilm™ Aerobic Count Plates and Plate Readerswere obtained from 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn.

Ground beef and pork (estimated to contain 25% fat) samples werepurchased from local grocery stores. Portions (150 grams) wereseparated, placed in plastic bags, and stored in a freezer at −20° C.Spinach leaves were also purchased from local grocery stores, and storedat 4° C. in their original containers. Prior to use, required portionsof ground beef and pork were removed from the freezer, kept forapproximately 2 hours at room temperature (i.e., 25° C. to thaw thesamples, followed by thorough mixing in the bag using a wooden spatulabefore use. Spinach samples were tested immediately after removal fromthe 4° C. storage.

Comparative Example 1 (C1)

This example demonstrates quantification of analytes released from aground beef sample using the stomaching procedure. A portion of groundbeef (11 g) was placed inside the filter of a filtered stomacher bag(Seward STOMACHER® laboratory blender, Model 400 filter bag from Seward,Inc. of Norfolk, UK), and after addition of Butterfield's buffer (99mL), the bag was placed in a STOMACHER® laboratory blender (Model 400,from Seward, Inc., of Norfolk, UK). The liquid composition was stomachedat 230 rpm for the designated times as reported in Table 1. A filtratewas formed in the volume between the filter and the bag wall. After eachtime interval, 2 mL of the filtrate was collected by pipette from thespace between the outside of the filter and the bag wall and transferredto a sterile test tube. A portion of the collected filtrates (500 μL)was diluted with Butterfield's Buffer (99 mL), and shaken manually forapproximately 10 seconds after which an aerobic count for each filtratewas determined and reported in Table 1.

Comparative Example 2 (C2)

This example demonstrates quantification of analytes released from aground pork sample using the stomaching procedure. A portion of groundpork (11 g) was placed inside the filter of a filtered stomacher bag(Seward STOMACHER® laboratory blender, Model 400 filter bag from Seward,Inc. of Norfolk, UK), and after addition of Butterfield's buffer (99mL), the bag was placed in a STOMACHER® laboratory blender (Model 400,from Seward, Inc., of Norfolk, UK). The liquid composition was stomachedat 230 rpm for the designated times as reported in Table 1. A filtratewas formed in the volume between the filter and the bag wall. After eachtime interval, 2 mL of the filtrate was collected by pipette from thespace between the outside of the filter and the bag wall and transferredto a sterile test tube. A portion of the filtrates collected (1000 μL)was diluted with Butterfield's Buffer (9 mL), and shaken manually forapproximately 10 seconds after which an aerobic count for each filtratewas determined and reported in Table 1.

Comparative Example 3 (C3)

This example demonstrates quantification of analytes released fromspinach leaves using the stomaching procedure. A portion of spinachleaves (11 g) was placed inside the filter of a filtered stomacher bag(Seward STOMACHER® laboratory blender, Model 400 filter bag from Seward,Inc. of Norfolk, UK), and after addition of Butterfield's buffer (99mL), the bag was placed in a STOMACHER® laboratory blender (Model 400,from Seward, Inc., of Norfolk, UK). The liquid composition was stomachedat 230 rpm for the designated times as reported in Table 1. A filtratewas formed in the volume between the filter and the bag wall. After eachtime interval, 2 mL of the filtrate was collected by pipette from thespace between the outside of the filter and the bag wall and transferredto a sterile test tube. A portion of the filtrates collected (1000 μL)was serially diluted with Butterfield's Buffer to a final concentrationof 1:20,000, after which an aerobic count for each filtrate wasdetermined and reported in Table 1.

Example 1 (E1)

This example demonstrates quantification of analytes released from aground beef sample using mechanical shaking and a sample preparationsystem of the present disclosure. An empty liner was placed on a balanceand ground beef (11 g), which served as the source, was transferred intothe liner. The liner was then removed from the balance and placed in acontainer. Sterile diluent (99 mL) was added to the liner containing theground beef source, and a lid was coupled to the liner and container.The lid comprised a filter in the form of the filter 134 of FIGS. 2 and3. A threaded collar was then screwed onto the container to secure thesample preparation system in an assembled state. An opening in the lidwas sealed with a separate cap. The sample preparation system containinga liquid composition comprising the ground beef and diluent was placedin a clamp secured to an arm of a shaker. The distance from the centerof the sample preparation system to the rod on the shaker wasapproximately 20 cm. The sample was shaken for 15 seconds at anequipment dial setting of 10, corresponding to a frequency ofapproximately 6 cycles per second at an approximate arc of 17 degrees.After this time period, with the cap removed, approximately 2 mL of theliquid composition was decanted through the filter in the lid (i.e., asa filtrate) into a sterile test tube. The sample preparation system wascapped, returned to the shaking device, and agitated for additional timeperiods as required. The mixing/decanting cycle was repeated asdescribed, and filtrates were collected at 60, 120, and 240 seconds timepoints. A portion of filtrates collected (500 μL) was diluted withButterfield's Buffer (99 mL), and shaken manually for approximately 10seconds after which an aerobic count for each filtrate was determinedand reported in Table 1.

Example 2 (E2)

This example demonstrates quantification of analytes released from aground beef sample using a vortex mixer and a sample preparation systemof the present disclosure. An empty liner was placed on a balance andground beef (11 g), which served as the source, was transferred into theliner. The liner was then removed from the balance and placed in acontainer. Sterile diluent (99 mL) was added to the liner containing theground beef source and a lid was coupled to the liner and container. Thelid comprised a filter in the form of the filter 134 of FIGS. 2 and 3. Athreaded collar was then screwed onto the container to secure the samplepreparation system in an assembled state. An opening in the lid wassealed with a separate cap. The sample preparation system containing aliquid composition comprising the ground beef and diluent was placed andsecured on the platform of the Vortexer with an eccentric orbit(approximately 6 mm×4 mm). The liquid composition was mixed for 15seconds at an equipment dial setting of 10, corresponding to rotationspeed of approximately 2500 rpm. After this time period, the cap wasremoved and approximately 2 mL of the liquid composition was decantedthrough the filter in the lid (i.e., as a filtrate) into a sterile testtube. The sample preparation system was capped, returned to thevortexing device, and mixed for additional time periods as required. Themixing/decanting cycle was repeated as described and filtrates werecollected at 60, 120, and 240 seconds time points. A portion of thefiltrates collected (500 μL) was diluted with Butterfield's Buffer (99mL) and shaken manually for approximately 10 seconds after which anaerobic count for each filtrate was determined and reported in Table 1.

Example 3 (E3)

This example demonstrates quantification of analytes from a ground porksample using a vortex mixer and a sample preparation system of thepresent disclosure. An empty liner was placed on a balance and groundbeef (11 g), which served as the source, was transferred into the liner.The liner was then removed from the balance and placed in a container.Sterile diluent (99 mL) was added to the liner containing the groundpork source and a lid was coupled to the liner and container. The lidcomprised a filter in the form of the filter 134 of FIGS. 2 and 3. Athreaded collar was then screwed onto the container to secure the samplepreparation system in an assembled state. An opening in the lid wassealed with a separate cap. The sample preparation system containing aliquid composition comprising ground pork and diluent was placed, andsecured on the platform of the Vortexer with an eccentric orbit(approximately 6 mm×4 mm). The liquid composition was mixed for 15seconds at an equipment dial setting of 10, corresponding to a rotationspeed of approximately 2500 rpm. After this time period, the cap wasremoved and approximately 2 mL of the liquid composition was decantedthrough the filter in the lid (i.e., as a filtrate) into a sterile testtube. The sample preparation system was capped, returned to thevortexing device, and mixed for additional time periods as required. Themixing/decanting cycle was repeated as described and filtrates werecollected at 60, 120, and 240 seconds time points. A portion of thefiltrates collected (1000 μL) was diluted with Butterfield's Buffer andshaken manually for approximately 10 seconds after which an aerobiccount for each filtrate was determined and reported in Table 1.

Example 4 (E4)

This example demonstrates quantification of analytes released fromspinach leaf samples using a mechanical shaker and a sample preparationsystem of the present disclosure. An empty liner was placed on a balanceand a spinach leaf (11 g), which served as the source, was transferredinto the liner. The liner was then removed from the balance and placedin a container. Sterile diluent (99 mL) was added to the linercontaining the spinach leaf source, and a lid was coupled to the linerand container. The lid comprised a filter in the form of the filter 134of FIGS. 2 and 3. A threaded collar was then screwed onto the containerto secure the sample preparation system in an assembled state. Anopening in the lid was sealed with a separate cap. The samplepreparation system containing a liquid composition comprising thespinach leaf and diluent was placed in a clamp secured to the arm of theshaker. The distance from the center of the sample preparation system tothe rod on the shaker was approximately 20 cm. The liquid compositionwas shaken for 15 seconds at an equipment dial setting of 10,corresponding to a frequency of approximately 6 cycles per second at anapproximate arc of 17 degrees. After this time period, with the capremoved, approximately 2 mL of liquid composition was decanted throughthe filter in the lid (i.e., as a filtrate) into a sterile test tube.The sample preparation system was capped, returned to the shakingdevice, and agitated for additional time periods as required. Themixing/decanting cycle was repeated as described and filtrates werecollected at 60, 120, and 240 seconds time points. A portion of thefiltrates collected (1000 μL) was serially diluted with Butterfield'sBuffer to a final concentration of 1:20,000 after which an aerobic countfor each filtrate was determined and reported in Table 1.

Example 5 (E5)

This example demonstrates quantification of analytes released from aspinach leaf source using a vortex mixer and a sample preparation systemof the present disclosure. An empty liner was placed on a balance and aspinach leaf (11 g) was transferred into the liner. The liner was thenremoved from the balance and placed in a container. Sterile diluent (99mL) was added to the liner containing the spinach leaf source, and a lidwas coupled to the liner and container. The lid comprised a filter inthe form of the filter 134 of FIGS. 2 and 3. A threaded collar was thenscrewed onto the container to secure the sample preparation system in anassembled state. An opening in the lid was sealed with a separate cap.The sample preparation system containing a liquid composition comprisingthe spinach leaf and diluent was placed and secured on the platform ofthe Vortexer with an eccentric orbit (approximately 6 mm×4 mm). Theliquid composition was mixed for 15 seconds at an equipment dial settingof 10, corresponding to rotation speed of approximately 2500 rpm. Afterthis time period, with the cap removed, approximately 2 mL of the liquidcomposition was decanted through the filter in the lid (i.e., as afiltrate) into a sterile test tube. The sample preparation system wascapped, returned to the vortexing device, and mixed for additional timeperiods as required. The mixing/decanting cycle was repeated asdescribed and filtrates were collected at 60, 120, and 240 seconds timepoints. A portion of filtrates collected (1000 μL) was serially dilutedwith Butterfield's Buffer to a final concentration of 1:20,000, afterwhich an aerobic count for each filtrate was determined and reported inTable 1.

Table 1 contains aerobic count data for filtrates taken at each of thetimes (in seconds) below using different techniques to release analytesfrom the source.

TABLE 1 Sample Agitation Time Time Time Time Time No. Source Technique15 sec. 30 sec. 60 sec. 120 sec. 240 sec. C1 Ground STOMACHER ® 16 168171 172 127 Beef C2 Ground STOMACHER ® 21 147 161 173 168 Pork C3Spinach STOMACHER ® 13 216 238 247 223 Leaves E1 Ground Mechanical 14192 205 191 155 Beef Shaker E2 Ground Vortex Mixer 32 155 187 150 154Beef E3 Ground Vortex Mixer 02 131 157 197 181 Pork E4 SpinachMechanical 28 375 335 280 249 Leaves Shaker E5 Spinach Vortex Mixer 2625 302 339 267 Leaves

The results of Table 1 show that the recovery of analytes using thesample preparation system of the present disclosure is comparable tothat of the stomaching device. Preparation of the liquid compositionswas greatly facilitated by the use of the sample preparation systems ofthe present disclosure in combination with mechanical shaking and vortexmixing.

The embodiments described and exemplified above and illustrated in thefigures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as alimitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention. Assuch, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the artthat various changes in the elements and their configuration andarrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention. Various features and aspects of the invention areset forth in the following claims.

1. A method for preparing samples to test for an analyte testing ofinterest, the method comprising: providing a liquid compositioncomprising a source and a diluent; providing a sample preparation systemcomprising a freestanding receptacle; positioning the liquid compositionin a reservoir defined by the freestanding receptacle; filtering theliquid composition to form a filtrate; removing at least a portion ofthe filtrate from the sample preparation system to form a sample; andanalyzing the sample for the analyte of interest.
 2. The method of claim1, further comprising agitating the liquid composition. 3-6. (canceled)7. The method of claim 1, wherein removing at least a portion of thefiltrate from the sample preparation system includes at least one of:tipping the sample preparation system, inverting the sample preparationsystem, decanting the filtrate from the sample preparation system,aspirating the filtrate from the sample preparation system, applyingpressure to the freestanding receptacle, and combinations thereof. 8-12.(canceled)
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the analyte of interestincludes at least one of a microorganism, a biomolecule, a chemical, ametal ion, a metal-ion-containing complex, and combinations thereof. 14.The method of claim 1, wherein the source comprises the diluent. 15.(canceled)
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the diluent includes atleast one of a surfactant, a rheological agent, an antimicrobialneutralizer, a nutrient, a pH buffering agent, an enzyme, an indicatormolecule, sterile water, an organic solvent, and a combination thereof.17. (canceled)
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein positioning the liquidcomposition in a reservoir defined by the freestanding receptacleincludes positioning the liquid composition in a reservoir defined by adeformable liner.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprisingpositioning the deformable liner within a second reservoir defined by afreestanding container that is more rigid than the deformable liner. 20.The method of claim 1, wherein positioning the liquid composition in areservoir includes at least one of: positioning the source comprisingthe diluent in the reservoir, adding the source and the diluent to thereservoir simultaneously, adding the source to the reservoir prior toadding the diluent to the reservoir, adding the diluent to the reservoirprior to adding the source to the reservoir, and combining the sourceand the diluent to form a liquid composition, and adding the liquidcomposition to the reservoir.
 21. (canceled)
 22. The method of claim 1,wherein filtering the liquid composition includes at least one of:inverting the sample preparation system, applying pressure to thefreestanding receptacle, positioning a filter at least partially below alevel of the liquid composition in the reservoir, and combinationsthereof. 23-27. (canceled)
 28. A method for preparing samples to testfor an analyte of interest, the method comprising: providing a liquidcomposition comprising a source and a diluent; providing a samplepreparation system comprising a deformable freestanding liner, and afreestanding container that is more rigid than the deformablefreestanding liner; positioning the liquid composition in a reservoirdefined by the deformable freestanding liner; positioning the deformablefreestanding liner in the freestanding container; removing a sample fromthe sample preparation system; and analyzing the sample for the analyteof interest. 29-33. (canceled)
 34. The method of claim 28, wherein thesample preparation system comprises a disposable portion comprising alid coupled to the deformable freestanding liner, and further comprisingremoving the disposable portion of the sample preparation system fromthe freestanding container, and disposing of the disposable portion.35-52. (canceled)
 53. The method of claim 28, wherein the samplepreparation system further comprises a lid, the method furthercomprising coupling the lid to at least one of the deformablefreestanding liner and the freestanding container.
 54. The method ofclaim 28, further comprising filtering the liquid composition to form afiltrate, wherein removing a sample from the sample preparation systemincludes removing at least a portion of at least one of the liquidcomposition and the filtrate.
 55. The method of claim 28, wherein thedeformable freestanding liner includes a first sidewall and thefreestanding container includes a second sidewall, and furthercomprising agitating the liquid composition, wherein agitating theliquid composition includes positioning an obstruction between the firstsidewall and the second sidewall when the deformable freestanding lineris positioned in the freestanding container.
 56. A sample preparationsystem comprising: a deformable freestanding liner comprising a firstreservoir; a freestanding container comprising a second reservoir, thefreestanding container being more rigid than the deformable freestandingliner, the second reservoir dimensioned to receive the deformablefreestanding liner; a liquid composition comprising a source and adiluent, the liquid composition positioned in the first reservoir; andan aperture positioned in fluid communication with at least one of thefirst reservoir and the second reservoir, the aperture configured toallow removal of a sample from the first reservoir.
 57. The samplepreparation system of claim 56, further comprising a filter positionedin fluid communication with at least one of the first reservoir and thesecond reservoir, the filter adapted to form a filtrate from the liquidcomposition, and wherein the sample includes at least a portion of atleast one of the liquid composition and the filtrate.
 58. The samplepreparation system of claim 56, further comprising a lid, wherein thelid is adapted to be coupled to at least one of the deformablefreestanding liner and the freestanding container.
 59. The samplepreparation system of claim 58, wherein the sample preparation systemcomprises a disposable portion comprising the lid coupled to thedeformable freestanding liner.
 60. The sample preparation system ofclaim 58, further comprising a filter in fluid communication with thereservoir, wherein the filter is substantially planar and coupled to aninner surface of the lid.